The evaluation system used by the District of Columbia Public Schools is explained. Information is organized to assess four categories: students; instructional personnel; classroom characteristics; and reading programs. The system is used to provide basic profiles and comparative information for four areas of planning: (1) needs assessment; (2) feasible remedies; (3) areas for improvement; and (4) methods of improvement. Data are collected, using the basic instruments: Classroom/Student Background Form (SBF), a two-part machine readable form; Prescriptive Reading Test (PRT), a locally constucted criterion-referenced test for grades 1 through 6; and the Reading Program Form (RP), a two-part machine readable form. Student data are comprised of test scores, sex, age, absences, time enrolled in class, interest in reading, need for extra help, independent reading, class, and identification number. Teacher data are comprised of absences, choice of class reading materials, coordination of reading program with other school personnel, and association with particular classes. Reading programs are described in terms of materials, grade levels, and emphasis on various reading materials. Data are collected on the classroom as a whole; some measures are also computed from data based on individuals. (MH)